The sun streamed through dusty stained glass as Master Makarov stood in the center of the guild floor, arms folded, frown deepened by worry lines.
Around him, Erza, Natsu, Gray, Lucy, Mira, and Happy stood in insecure silence. Shinra sat with quiet poise beside them. The air buzzed with tension.
Makarov cleared his throat. His voice was small—but sharp.
----
"Is this how Fairy Tail acts?" Makarov's eyes swept the room. "S-Class missions stolen. No permission. And sending our guildmates into *Galuna Island* —a place haunted by demons and endangering all of your lives?"
Natsu flinched. Gray glared at the floor. Lucy's hands twisted nervously.
Shinra rose slowly, bowing respectfully.
"Master Makarov," he began, calm but steady. "I know what happened was reckless. I didn't hide that I agreed to the mission."
Makarov's expression flickered.
"But," Shinra continued, "we went because lives were in danger. And we succeeded. The cursed demon is sealed, the villagers freed."
"You don't excuse rules because someone is powerful," Makarov replied, voice wavering. "Rules exist for a reason."
Shinra nodded gravely. "Agreed. I'm ready to face consequences. But if you ask if I regret standing with them— I do not."
Makarov studied him. Around them, the others exhaled.
---
Natsu gripped his scarf.
"Master," he started, voice trembling with emotion, "what we did was wrong. I know that. But… we did it because we *had* to, to save people."
Gray stepped forward. "I joined without thinking it through first. But I'll accept whatever punishment you give."
Lucy lowered her gaze. "I was with them too."
Mira spoke gently, supporting her voice softly under Makarov's overwhelming sternness.
---
Silence stretched.
Then Makarov smiled—small, weary, but proud.
"My children," he said quietly. "Rules guide us, but they cannot bind you when someone calls for help. Fairy Tail exists for its hearts. I've broken rules for the guild too."
He turned toward Shinra.
"As for you, Shinra… you broke our rules... But you stood with us. With *them*. And you respected their chances to fight. That says more than any power ever could."
Shinra bowed again. "Thank you, Master."
Makarov smiled, harsh lines softened.
---
That afternoon, Shinra joined the team for a specially-called training session. Natsu, Gray, Lucy—all stood before a sparring arena.
Erza announced: "From now on, Shinra will act as senior support in Team Natsu. Not a leader—but a partner. Training and reviewing missions with you all."
Natsu burst out excited: "Finally!"
Gray smirked. "Looks like he's part of the team now."
Lucy frowned. "Senior? Does that mean… tests?"
Shinra smiled. "Only if you want to surprise yourself."
---
They began with target practice:
* Natsu punching flaming targets.
* Gray freezing moving targets.
* Shinra guiding from the sideline—pointing out slight shifts in stance, calling out where their cursed energy weakened.
* Shinra orchestrated timing: When Natsu's flame blade hit a target, Gray froze its remains—test of synchrony.
* Lucy summoned spirits to play distraction in the middle.
At each moment, Shinra offered gentle corrections and encouragement. His presence no longer distant, but very human—and approachable.
Erza watched from the sidelines, arms folded in a rare half-smile.
---
Later That Night --
The guild was quiet. A campfire had been arranged in the backyard yard for reflection. Mira brought snacks; Levy joined with notebooks full of ideas; Cana sat sipping.
Shinra and Lucy sat close as they talked softly about the villagers on Galuna.
"You changed a lot back there," Lucy said quietly. "Sliced that tail in one cut... but you never shouted about it."
He turned toward her. "Support is stronger than show."
She studied him. "You were...nice to me when I was scared."
Eyes locked.
"You belong, Lucy. You always did."
She nodded, voice gentle. "I'm glad you're here."
Behind them, Mira and Erza shared a look.